Wednesday, January 29, 2020

UIS announces Black History Month 2020 events

The University of Illinois Springfield will celebrate Black History Month in February with a variety of events designed to educate and raise awareness. The theme of this year’s celebration is “We Are Deeply Rooted.” The following events are free and open to the public.

Candle Light Vigil 
11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 – UIS Student Union
Students and community members are invited to participate in a Candle Light Vigil honoring the life of anyone who they have lost. Participants are encouraged to light a candle and say a few remarks for that special person.

BHM 2020 Unity Rally 
6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 – UIS Student Union Ballroom
Come out and help open the month by engaging in sign-making, chants, and other activities. Additionally, at the rally, we invite and encourage all to bring special recipes from their cultures dedicated to the idea of making a “Food for the Soul” cook book.

Healthcare’s Hidden Figures 
5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 – Diversity Center
The Diversity Center will host a dynamic panel of women who will discuss the challenges and triumphs they have faced as women of color in the healthcare field. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions and network with panelists who come from diverse backgrounds in healthcare. Panelists include Charlene Aaron, Ph.D, R.N., chancellor of the St. John's College of Nursing; Elaine Hardy, Ph.D., R.N., president of the Black Nurses Association of Central Illinois; Erica Maduakolam, a student at the SIU School of Medicine; Kia Stewart, R.N., neuro/trauma ICU nurse manager at Memorial Medical Center; and Dr. Wendi Wills El-Amin, associate dean for equity, diversity and inclusion at the SIU School of Medicine. The panel will be moderated by University of Illinois at Chicago nursing student K'Lynn Brown.

Black Male Collegiate Society/Men of Color Induction Ceremony 
4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 – Student Union Ballroom
Join UIS as we celebrate the accomplishments of those being inducted into the Black Male Collegiate Society/Men of Color Initiative. Hear from various past members and newly inducted members on their journey from maleness to manhood.

Open Mic 
9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13 – Student Union Sports Grill
Join the Student Activities Committee for an open mic night with Chicago-based author, motivational speaker and new age poet Harold Green. The event is a live show where audience members may perform their spoken word pieces.

Highschool Mixer 
9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14 – Student Union Ballroom Local high school students (juniors and seniors) are invited to partake in a campus visit where they will have a chance to interact, learn and socialize with many current African American student leaders at UIS. There will be a chance to learn more about the importance of Greek Life and witness a special presentation.

Greek Life: Past, Present, Future 
5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 – Public Affairs Center, Room F
Greek life isn’t all about strolling, throwing up hand signs or wearing colors. The purpose and work of Greek letter organizations has impacted the world in numerous ways. This presentation will include an in-depth conversation about the purpose and impact of Greek life while focusing on the three pillars of education, politics and social atmosphere. Presenters will discuss how these three topics have evolved throughout history.

“The Birth of a Nation” film screening and discussion 
7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 – UIS Studio Theatre
A film screening and discussion about the 2016 motion picture "The Birth of a Nation" starring Nate Parker. Interactive and respectful discussion is encouraged following the film among the students and other attendees.

ECCE Speaker: Cori Bush 
6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 – UIS Brookens Auditorium
The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series will welcome Cori Bush — one of four politicians featured in the award- winning documentary “Knock Down The House” — to discuss her experience, the goal of getting diverse voices into political office and why these voices matter. The event will start with a screening of the documentary, followed by a discussion.

Gospel Concert 
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 – Lincoln Residence Hall Greatroom
"Sounds of Victory" will serve as the spiritual component within Black History Month. Students and guests are invited to be reminded of healing and triumph through song, dance and fellowship.

ECCE Speaker: Melisande Short-Colomb 
6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 – UIS Brookens Auditorium
The UIS Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series presents “College Students and Reparations: A Georgetown University Slavery Descendant’s Story” with speaker Melisande Short-Colomb. She was recently informed that two of her ancestors were two of the 272 enslaved people owned by the Jesuits of Georgetown University and sold in 1838 to keep the university afloat. Granted legacy status, she enrolled at Georgetown at age 63 and joined other activist students in documenting the university’s slavery history, grappling with the question of reparations, organizing and voting for a restitution fee and debating how to best use the fees.

For more information on Black History Month events, visit the UIS Diversity Center website at uis.edu/diversitycenter/ or contact Justin Rose, director of diversity and inclusion, at 217-206-6333 or jrose22@uis.edu.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

UIS to host the Career Connections Expo for students, alumni and community members

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) are excited to announce the 2020 Career Connections Expo. Students and alumni from the hosting institutions as well as community members are invited to attend the free event to explore career opportunities and network with participating employers.

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on the UIS campus

DETAILS: The Expo is designed to help attendees make professional connections, find jobs and internships and explore career paths. For potential employers, it is a chance to share pertinent information and build relationships to help develop talent pipelines for current for future opportunities.

Representatives from more than 100 organizations are expected to be on hand. The event has an average attendance of more than 300 students, alumni and community members.

Information for students, alumni and others: Pre-registration is not required, business-casual attire is strongly encouraged and participants should bring copies of their resume to the Expo. Additional information is available online at go.uis.edu/CareerExpo.

Information for employers: Advance registration is required. Booth space is limited and is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration information is available online at go.uis.edu/EmployerExpoRegistration. For more information, or to register, call 217-206-6508.

The Career Connections Expo is supported by advantage partners including, NPR Illinois, Northwestern Mutual, MSF&W Inc., Memorial Health System, Omniskope and Sonicsoft Inc.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

UIS invites prospective students to learn about master’s degree programs at the Graduate School Fair

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will showcase its 20 master’s degree programs during the annual Graduate School Fair. Students from any institution who are considering earning a master’s degree or who want to learn more about UIS’ programs are invited to attend.

WHEN: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020

WHERE: UIS Student Union, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: Attendees will have the opportunity to speak face-to-face with academic program representatives and be able to apply for admission on the spot for free. The fair is designed to help students determine which program best fits their needs and interests.

Representatives from all graduate colleges, including the College of Business and Management, the College of Education and Human Services, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Public Affairs and Administration, will be in attendance. The UIS Career Development Center, Admissions Office, Graduate Public Service Intern Program, Graduate Assistantship Programs and the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program will also be represented.

Registration for this event is encouraged, but is not required. Please register online at apply.uis.edu/register/gradfair. Questions may be directed to the UIS Office of Graduate Programs at 217-206-6153 or mkauf5@uis.edu.

Friday, January 17, 2020

UIS Music Program announces Spring Semester 2020 schedule of free public concerts

The University of Illinois Springfield Music Program is excited to announce its Spring Semester 2020 concert series. All events and free and open to the public. Donations are welcome to benefit the UIS Music Student Merit Award.

The UIS Music Program is comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as Springfield community members, all with a variety of skill levels.

“From Bach to Bartok” 
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Jun Seo, cello; Kyu Sim Butler, piano
Studio Theatre
Faculty Recital Series

“Now That's a Good Tune” 
Noon Tuesday, Feb. 11
Sharon Graf, fiddle; Erich Schroeder, banjo/fiddle; Mark Mathewson, mandolin/guitar
Student Union Ballroom Lobby
Brown Bag Recital Series

“Harp and Soul” 
Noon Tuesday, Feb. 18
Abigail Walsh, flute; Julia Jamieson, harp
Student Union Ballroom Lobby
Brown Bag Recital Series

Flute Festival & Concert Workshops 
1-4 p.m., 6-7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22
All Flutists Welcome!
Abigail Walsh, Amanda Pond, flutes; Julia Jamieson, harp;
UIS and Millikin University Flute Choirs
Studio Theatre

Camerata Chamber Music I 
Noon Tuesday, Feb. 25
UIS Music Scholarship Recipients
Student Union Ballroom Lobby
Brown Bag Recital Series

“Russian Masterpieces” 
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6
Hana Lim, piano
Studio Theatre
Faculty Recital Series

“Jazz Café” 
6 p.m. Saturday, March 7
UIS Jazz Ensemble
Benjamin Nichols, director
Studio Theatre

“O Mio Fagotto Caro” 
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21
Christopher Raymond, bassoon
Studio Theatre
Faculty Recital Series

“Fantastic Beats: Solo and Electronic Music for Saxophone” 
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27
Evan Clark, saxophone
Studio Theatre
Faculty Recital Series

Camerata Chamber Music II 
Noon Tuesday, March 31
UIS Music Camerata Scholarship Recipients
Student Union Ballroom Lobby
Brown Bag Recital Series

“No Strings Attached” 
Noon Tuesday, April 7
UIS student Natalie Kerr and alum Brooke Ginglen
Student Union Ballroom Lobby
Brown Bag Recital Series

Camerata Chamber Music III 
Noon Tuesday, April 14
UIS Music Camerata Scholarship Recipients
Student Union Ballroom Lobby
Brown Bag Recital Series

“Basically Beethoven” 
2 p.m. Friday, April 17
UIS Music Student Solo Recitals
Student Union Ballroom
Student Technology, Arts and Research Symposium

“Blue Skies” 
Noon Tuesday, April 21
UIS Chorus, See Tsai Chan, director
Student Union Ballroom Lobby
UIS Music Ensemble Concert

“Art of Wind Band” 
7:30 p.m. Friday April 24
UIS Band, Bill Mitchell, director
Sangamon Auditorium
 UIS Music Ensemble Concert

“Jazz Café” 
6 p.m. Thursday, April 30
UIS Jazz Ensemble
Benjamin Nichols, director
Studio Theatre
UIS Music Ensemble Concert

UIS Community Music School Solo Recital 
7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1
UIS CMS Music student and faculty
Studio Theatre

UIS Orchestra Concert & UIS Music Meet and Greet 
Featuring UIS Music Solo Competition Winners (UIS & Community Division)
3 p.m. Sunday, May 3
UIS Orchestra, Jun Seo, director
Sangamon Auditorium
4:30 p.m. Meet and Greet

UIS Speaker Series examines understanding faith as part of a professional work environment


WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series presents a discussion and workshop on “Beyond the Status Quo: Finding Your Non-Traditional Interfaith Identity” with Parth Bhansali, a Chicago-based first generation Indian-American.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020

WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: Bhansali will present and examine interfaith challenges from a Hindu perspective. He will look at the importance of interfaith work in non-faith-based professions, and discuss ways to empathize and educate those who do not know much about different faiths.

He will discuss how in order to develop and sustain a collegial and productive work environment, it is important to understand your own faith-based beliefs and to be aware and understanding of the faith-based beliefs of your co-workers.

The workshop component of the event will explore the challenges of religious identity in the workplace. Participants will discuss interfaith scenarios in small groups, navigate issues of religious and professional identities and expand the awareness of interfaith challenges.

Bhansali is the co-founder of the Movement of Students Achieving Interfaith Cooperation (MOSAIC). He aspires to transform interfaith conversation into something that transcends the faith-based community.

Individuals with disabilities who anticipate the need for accommodations should contact the UIS Speaker Series Office at 217-206-6245 or speakerseries@uis.edu in advance. For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speaker Series events, visit uis.edu/speakerseries/.

Monday, January 13, 2020

Five UIS faculty members to present their research during public presentations on campus

Five faculty members from the University of Illinois Springfield will present their research as part of the Spring Semester 2020 Faculty Scholarship Series. All presentations are free and open to the public.

The series starts with Dathan Powell, UIS associate professor of art, music and theatre. He will present “Deep Time and Universal Design: A Journey from The Creation to Creating an Accessible Future for Artists” from 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Public Affairs Center (PAC) Conference Room H.

Lan Dong, UIS professor of English, will present “Ambiguity in Parallel: Visualizing History in Boxers and Saints,” at 12 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Public Affairs Center, Room H.

Shane Harris, UIS associate professor of art, music and theatre, will present on the combination of various technologies, such as 3D printing, vacuum forming and mold making along with mixed media. His presentation, titled “Convergence,” will be held in the UIS Visual Arts Gallery from 12-1 p.m. March 17.

Sean McCandless, UIS assistant professor of public administration, will present “Social Equity Messaging in U.S. Local Governments: Taking The Fourth Pillar Seriously” from 6 to 7 p.m. March 31 in PAC Conference Room G.

The series concludes with Heather Bailey, UIS associate professor and chair of history, discussing “The Shot that Could Change the Face of the World” from 12-1 p.m. April 1 in PAC H.

The purpose of the Faculty Scholarship Series is to highlight research at UIS and to share these results with the larger Springfield community.

For more information, contact Keenan Dungey, UIS associate vice chancellor for research and institutional effectiveness, at 217-206-8112 or kdung1@uis.edu.

Friday, January 10, 2020

UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents “To Unmake a Fold,” a group exhibition curated by director Jeff Robinson

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “To Unmake a Fold,” a group exhibition that features Chicago-based artists Mark Blanchard, Cass Davis, bena foli and Kelly Kristin Jones. The exhibition will open on Monday, Jan. 13 and run through Thursday, Feb. 20. A reception for the exhibit will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 in the Visual Arts Gallery.

“To Unmake a Fold” is one of two synchronous exhibitions. The companion exhibition, “Tracing Faults,” is on view at Chicago Artists Coalition (CAC) in Chicago, Illinois. Both exhibitions are curated by Jeff Robinson who works as HATCH curatorial resident at CAC and as director of the UIS Visual Arts Gallery.

In geology, faults and folds refer to tectonic activities that result from immense stress and pressure below the Earth’s surface. These environmental tensions trigger groundbreaking events that reshape the visible landscape. As joint exhibitions, “Tracing Faults” and “To Unmake a Fold” use these seismic actions as an analogy for the social, cultural, and political rifts that permeate our present human condition, and consider how these quandaries prompt opportunities for collective renewal and redemption.

An Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series lecture that explores the structure of and themes within the exhibitions will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10 in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of UIS Brookens Library. Artists Mark Blanchard, Cass Davis, bena foli and Kelly Kristin Jones will take part in a panel discussion moderated by Jeff Robinson. A closing reception and catalog release will follow from 7-8 p.m. in the UIS Visual Arts Gallery.

Individuals with disabilities attending the ECCE Speaker Series event who anticipate the need for accommodations should contact the UIS Speaker Series Office at 217-206-6245 or speakerseries@uis.edu in advance.

The Visual Arts Gallery is centrally located on the UIS campus in the Health and Science Building, Room 201, and is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

For more information, visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website at uis.edu/visualarts/gallery or contact the gallery at 217-206-6506 or alach@uis.edu.